Many of us may not actually be in the office, but that’s not stopping March Madness office brackets from flying virtually on this last day to turn them in. The first round starts tomorrow. So, what’s legal and what can get you in some hot water?
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Well, gambling is generally unlawful in Arizona, but one exception is “social gambling”. So, how do the managers of big and small companies ensure their offices are not running afoul of Arizona law? Fennemore Craig attorney and national legal analyst Marc Lamber has some tips to help keep betting on March Madness fun and legal.
Follow the rules:
• There can be no bookies or anyone who takes a cut to manage the pool
• No unequal odds
• The total pool has to be paid out
• Everyone in the office must be invited to participate
• Only pool participants can win
• No participants under the age of 21
Here are some of the top gambling violations that can result in civil and criminal penalties:
• Requiring pay-in fees to participate
• The host takes a percentage
• The host requires a voluntary donation from players
Marc Lamber is a Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated trial attorney. A director at Fennemore Craig, Lamber has been featured in national and local media, including the Arizona Republic, USA Today, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the ABA Journal and many others.
